The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has come up with a project to combat drug and digital addiction among children in the coastal belt of the district.
The project, led by commission chairperson Alexander Thomas, will be implemented scientifically in the coastal villages of Anchuthengu and Maryanad by the Loyola College of Social Sciences, Sreekaryam.
The SHRC has sent the framework of the project to the Social Justice department.
A comprehensive survey will first be held in the two coastal villages before a detailed study is done among children. The study will also look into factors that cause an addiction to drugs.
The project will be implemented among children in the 10-18 age group in five select schools. It will run for one year. Deaddiction treatment will also be provided to the children.
Steps to prevent the children’s addiction to drugs will be taken in association with the government and non-governmental organisations.
Awareness class for students, teachers, and parents; house visits; and seminars will be organised. The idea is to identify addiction to drugs early and take preventive measures.
The project will be implemented from the perspective of human rights protection and explore the possibilities of education, health, and legal approaches.
A whistleblower group will also be formed to inform the authorities about drug abuse.
Published – March 14, 2025 09:57 pm IST
